Governor Prof. Lonyangapuo Lead Residents in Marking Jamhuri Day Celebrations

As Kenya marked 55 years since gaining its self-rule, Governor Prof. John Lonyangapuo led hundreds of West Pokot residents in celebrations held at Makutano stadium.

While delivering his speech, Governor Prof. Lonyangapuo urged residents and Kenyans at large to remember the sacrifices that were made to gain freedom. He said that devolution is akin to second self-rule to Kenyans at the grassroots as they can easily access services that were not available in the past.He further highlighted on the government’s achievements over the past one year, pointing out that his administration remains committed in ensuring that it delivers on its mandate in line with the ‘Big Four Agenda.’“Going forward, our major focus will be on industrial sector. We realize the potential of our county in areas such as meat, milk and mango processing. We want to fully exploit this potential for the benefit of our people,” said the governor.He further said that construction work at Sebit cement plant is expected to start by January next year.He however pointed out delay by the national government to remit disbursements to counties as a main stumbling block towards the achievement of the county’s agenda.“The only places that require development is the counties. We need funds allocated to the counties to be increased,” he said.

His deputy governor Dr. Nicholas Atudonyang emphasized that the county government has made considerable progress over the past one year, an indication that much more can be achieved in coming years.

The county commissioner Apollo Okello read the president’s speech which weighed in on the government’s “Big Four” agenda, that aims to accelerate development designed to help achieve social and economic pillars of Vision 2030.Present were First Lady Dr. Mary Lonyangapuo, Senator Samwel Poghisio, Mps, County Assembly speaker, MCAs and other county officials.